Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life Good in the early going, this biopic about the life of French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg degenerates into a series of staggered episodes, interspersed with fantasy interludes, riffs on events that American audiences won't know well enough to appreciate. Not rated. 130 minutes. - M. LaSalle

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo This remake of the first in the Swedish film adaptations of Stieg Larsson's "Girl" series builds on the success of the earlier films, heightening the drama and adding detail and nuance without compromising the integrity of the piece. It's 158 minutes and doesn't feel labored or pushed. It's a pleasure. Rooney Mara brings an extra dimensionality to the title role, and Daniel Craig is quite good as the crusading reporter. An intelligent thriller, it's well directed by David Fincher. Rated R. 158 minutes. - M. LaSalle

The Muppets The Muppets' first theatrical release in a dozen years is a triumph of simplicity, innocence, goofy jokes and felt. Kermit is on a quest to reunite the gang when an evil Texas oil man (Chris Cooper) threatens to drill beneath the storied Muppet Theater. With Jason Segel, Amy Adams and scads of celebrity cameos. Rated PG. 98 minutes. - A. Biancolli

Roadie This low-key study of a middle-aged loser - he's a longtime roadie for Blue Oyster Cult who's abruptly fired and crawls home to his mom's house in Queens - is redeemed by a complex lead performance from Ron Eldard and good support from Bobby Cannavale and Jill Hennessy. Eldard gives his annoying character some depth and dignity. Rated R. 96 minutes. - W. Addiego

The Sitter Jonah Hill stars as a slouchy dude who spends a dark night of child care with three young charges. Nothing about it is funny, including its brain-dead stereotyping and frequent shots of a small South American adoptee blowing up toilets. With Sam Rockwell and Ari Graynor. Directed by David Gordon Green ("Your Highness"). Rated R. 82 minutes. - A. Biancolli

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy As wary old agent George Smiley, Gary Oldman gives the performance of his life in this expertly crafted rendering of the classic John le Carré espionage novel about trickery in the upper reaches of British intelligence. With John Hurt, Toby Jones and Colin Firth. Directed by Tomas Alfredson ("Let the Right One In"). Rated R. 127 minutes. - A. Biancolli